Denver Zoo Celebrates International Polar Bear Day, February 27

Polar Bears to Receive Special Ice Sculpture Snack as Guests Learn How to Save Their Species

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - February 25, 2015) - Denver Zoo visitors are invited to celebrate International Polar Bear Day at the Zoo on Friday, February 27 and find out how they can help save polar bears in the wild. Held in partnership with Polar Bears International (PBI), the day will allow guests to watch polar bears, Lee and Cranbeary, enjoy a special ice sculpture treat and learn from zookeepers and other staff about the challenges polar bears face, and ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As an Arctic Ambassador for PBI, Denver Zoo also is challenging visitors to take the Thermostat Challenge. On International Polar Bear Day, February 27, or starting any day they choose, visitors can adjust their thermostat down two degrees to show their commitment to greenhouse gas reduction. They can even pledge to make everyday a Polar Bear Day by keeping their thermostat adjusted, insulating their home or taking other steps to save energy.

Visitors can even enter to win a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo's polar bear exhibit by "liking" the Denver Zoo's Facebook page and sharing their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

In 2011, Denver Zoo was declared an Arctic Ambassador Center by PBI. The goal of this partnership is to create stewardship opportunities and foster conservation actions that will increase public awareness of, and engage action towards, reducing CO2 to help save polar bear habitat.

About Denver Zoo: Denver Zoo is the Rocky Mountain region's preeminent resource for informal scientific education, serving two million people annually. Home to 4,000 animals representing more than 600 species, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which assures the highest standards of animal care.

A leader in green action, Denver Zoo is the greenest zoo in the country and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the environment in support of all species by attaining the highest environmental standards. Since 1996, Denver Zoo has participated in about 600 animal conservation projects in 62 countries on all seven continents.